Implicit Obedience (24 June 2019)
(A daily devotion from Rev. Dr. J.N. Manokaran)
Abraham was obedient to God. There was no ‘delayed obedience’ at all in his life. After his conversation with the Lord, who made a covenant with him, he fulfilled his part by circumcising that ‘very day’. Abraham was ninety-nine years old, and he did not give any excuse, about his age. (Genesis 17: 22-24) Abraham did not argue with the Lord stating that he will fulfill his part of circumcision only after Lord fulfilled His Promise of a child through Sarah. One pastor has his eldest son confined to a wheel chair. There were many times, he had people criticizing him for ‘lack of faith’ and some ‘sin’ that had caused this. Nevertheless, he is steadfast in his faith. God is greater than his son, son’s healing or sickness does not alter who he is. Willing to suffer for what is truth is expression of real faith.
The covenant of Circumcision was a new Concept for Abraham. It is surrendering the whole identity in submission to God. Before Abraham, God did not demand any others to do this. Abraham did not question God, ‘why he was asked to do this, while none of his predecessors had to do it.’ The faith of Abraham was revealed in his complete surrender. It was like that of giving our bodies as living sacrifice to the Lord. (Romans 12:1) Following Abraham’s example, we have to give ourselves totally to the Lord to do His will.
Regarding having a son when one-hundred-year-old was hard for Abraham, and he expressed it to the Lord. However, he did not show any hesitance or give any excuse to escape from the commitment of painful circumcision. (Genesis 17: 17) Physical pain or suffering is worth to receive spiritual blessings.
Is implicit spontaneous obedience being our spiritual attitude and practice?
#jnmanokaran
#jninsights
#implicitobedience
#spontaneousobedience
jnmanokaran 